Sound quality:
Samsung's HW-S801D has very good overall sound quality - although it has some noticeable sonic quirks, this model reproduces music and dialog very well. In the Standard sound mode with the tone controls set to provide the most even tonal balance the bass has good impact and goes deep, but is a bit prominent and somewhat boomy. Midrange is fairly even and is a bit grainy and hazy. Treble is fairly extended, but is a bit subdued and smeared and a touch sizzly. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience, but is a bit congested. The two channel sound field extends somewhat above and a bit to the sides of the speaker enclosure and lacks front to back depth. Individual instruments and voices are easy to identify but are two-dimensional.
Sound Modes
The various sound modes, voice enhancement, and night mode have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance.
5.1 channel
When 5.1 channel program material is played back in the Standard sound mode the sound field may extend somewhat past the sides and well above the soundbar, but still lacks depth. The various sound modes, voice enhancement, and night mode have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance.
Dolby Atmos
When playing Dolby Atmos material the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material can fill the front end of the room; audio imaging can extend up and above from the front of the room to almost directly overhead, but there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front. Individual instruments and voices are easy to identify but are two dimensional.
Sound Modes
The various sound modes had minimal, if any, effect when Dolby Atmos material is played back, however night mode did have an effect.
TV ease of use: Very good overall.
Features ease of use: Acceptable overall.
